Liquid dispensing devices including an attached cleaning element

ABSTRACT

Liquid dispensing devices, and more particularly liquid dispensing devices including an attached cleaning element are disclosed comprising a plunger/handle pole assembly, an exterior barrel capable of slidably receiving the plunger/handle pole assembly and including a liquid reservoir, and a brush head attached to a distal end of the exterior barrel which is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application U.S. Application No. 60/667,187 filed on Mar. 30, 2005, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to liquid dispensing devices, and more particularly to liquid dispensing devices including an attached cleaning element.

BACKGROUND

Liquid dispensing devices including an attached cleaning element have been used to wash various structures including but not limited to vehicles, windows, walls, and boats. One exemplary liquid dispensing device is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,693. U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,693 describes a liquid dispensing device including an attached discharge head providing a chenille mop. Liquid is dispensed through the mop head. An exemplary extension pole assembly including a collet lock assembly is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,578.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides liquid dispensing devices including an attached cleaning element. One embodiment according to the disclosure provides a liquid dispensing device comprising a plunger/handle pole assembly, an exterior barrel capable of slidably receiving the plunger/handle pole assembly and including a liquid reservoir, and a brush head attached to a distal end of the exterior barrel which is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The brush head generally comprises a neck portion, a base portion having a front edge and a rear edge, and a spray nozzle disposed proximate to the front edge of the base portion. The spray nozzle provides a channel through the brush head body and into the fluid reservoir that permits liquids to be dispensed from the fluid reservoir. The spray nozzle can include an umbrella valve or a similar two-way valve to control fluid flow in and out of the fluid reservoir. The plunger/handle pole assembly and exterior barrel including a liquid reservoir function similar to a syringe and in combination with the brush head provide a convenient portable water source for cleaning various structures.

A second embodiment according to the invention provides a liquid dispensing device comprising a flow-through pole assembly having first and second ends, a flow-through handle attached to and capable of pivoting about the first end, and a brush head attached to the second end. The flow-through pole assembly includes a channel from the first end to the second end, and is therefore capable of permitting the flow of fluids from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the flow-through pole assembly is an extension flowthrough pole assembly including an inner pole and an outer pole that is capable of slidably receiving the inner pole. In such embodiments, a collet lock assembly can be used to control the length of the extension flow-through assembly, i.e., a collet lock assembly can be used to define the position (and therefore the length) of the inner pole relative to the outer pole. The flow-through handle includes a grasping portion and a connecting portion. In some embodiments, the grasping and connecting portions are positioned relative to each other so as to define an angle of between about 95 degrees and 140 degrees in order to comfortably accommodate a user's grip during use. The flow-through handle generally comprises a threaded collar. The flow-through handle further generally comprises grooves for receiving threads on an interior surface of the grasping portion. The brush head generally comprises a neck portion, a front portion, and a nozzle assembly disposed in the front portion. Providing the nozzle assembly in the front portion of brush head allows users to controllably and visibly prewet surfaces to be cleaned before scrubbing is commenced. Moreover, positioning nozzle assembly in the front portion allows fluid to be dispensed over a large area instead of simply dripping through a bottom surface of brush head into brush bristles and then onto the surface to be cleaned. The brush head generally includes an integral channel for permitting fluid communication between the nozzle assembly and the channel of the flow-through pole assembly that permits liquids to be dispensed from the nozzle assembly.

A third embodiment according to the disclosure provides a liquid dispensing device comprising a flow-through pole assembly having first and second ends, a flow-through handle attached to and capable of pivoting about the first end, the flow-through handle further including an integrated soap dispensing mechanism, and a brush head attached to the second end.

The liquid dispensing devices disclosed herein can be used to dispense a variety of liquids. Typically, the liquid dispensing devices are used to dispense a cleaning solution including water and, optionally, a surfactant. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing devices may be used to dispense a finishing solution including water and a wax, for example.

These and other objects will become apparent from the foregoing and ongoing specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the liquid dispensing devices according to the disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of a liquid dispensing device in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A;

FIG. 3 shows a plunger/handle pole assembly and an exterior barrel capable of slidably receiving the plunger/handle pole assembly including a brush head attached to its distal end;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the exterior barrel including a brush head attached to its distal end;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the plunger/handle pole assembly; FIG. 6 shows a base portion of the brush head;

FIG. 7 shows a suitable spray nozzle for use in the liquid dispensing device;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the brush head shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 shows a second example of a liquid dispensing device in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 9 taken along line C-C;

FIG. 11 shows a liquid dispensing device including an extension flow-through pole assembly in a collapsed state;

FIG. 12 shows the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 11 in an extended state;

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the extension flow-through pole assembly;

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of a collet lock assembly;

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the collet lock assembly;

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the collet lock assembly

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the collect lock assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows a nozzle assembly;

FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of a flow-through handle;

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a flow-through handle;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of flow-through handle of FIG. 21 taken along line B-B;

FIG. 23 shows a third example of a liquid dispensing device in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a flow-through handle including an integrated soap dispensing mechanism;

FIG. 25 shows a fourth example of a liquid dispensing device in accordance with the disclosure; and,

FIG. 26 shows an alternative flow-through handle including an integrated soap dispensing mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a liquid dispensing device according to the disclosure. Liquid dispensing device 10 generally includes a handle 12. As exemplified, handle 12 is shaped to permit a user to comfortably grasp handle 12, but the handle 12 may be of any suitable shape. Liquid dispensing device further includes a brush head 14.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 1. Liquid dispensing device 10 generally includes a plunger/handle pole assembly 16 and an exterior barrel 18 capable of slidably receiving the plunger/handle pole assembly, as best shown in FIG. 3. Brush head 14 is typically attached to a distal end 20 of exterior barrel 18. An aperture 22 at proximal end 24 of exterior barrel 18 is sized to receive plunger/handle pole assembly 16. Exterior barrel 18 also includes a liquid reservoir 26, as will be explained in more detail below. Brush head 14 is in fluid communication with liquid reservoir 26.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of exterior barrel 18 including brush head 14 attached to distal end 20. Brush head 14 generally comprises a neck portion 28, a base portion 30 having a front edge 32 and a rear edge 34, and a spray nozzle 36 disposed proximate to front edge 32 of base portion 30. Providing spray nozzle 36 at front edge 32 of brush head 14 allows users to controllably and visibly prewet surfaces to be cleaned before scrubbing with the brush bristles (not shown) extending from brush head 14 is commenced. Moreover, positioning spray nozzle 36 at front edge 32 allows fluid to be dispensed over a large area instead of simply dripping through base portion 30 of brush head 14 into brush bristles (not shown) and then onto the surface to be cleaned. Reservoir 26 of exterior barrel 18 is sealed by cap 38 and valve 40. Cap 38 includes a circumferential collar 42 and a threaded portion 44 extending therefrom. Spray nozzle 36 includes a base portion 43 including grooves (not shown) disposed on an inside surface thereof which are capable of receiving threaded portion 44 of cap 38 in order to couple these components. A nozzle gasket 46 may also be positioned between cap 38 and spray nozzle 36. Additionally, a foam grip 48 may be provided about exterior barrel. Spray nozzle 36 and brush head 14 are generally coupled using adhesives and/or conventional fastening means such as screws, rivets, interference fasteners, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a plunger/handle pole assembly 16 in accordance with the present invention. Plunger/handle pole assembly 16 generally includes handle 12, plunger pole 50, and plunger cap 52. As exemplified, handle 12 comprises a first portion 54 and a second portion 56, but handle may alternatively be of unitary construction. First and second portions 54, 56 can be coupled using adhesives and/or conventional fastening means 58 such as screws, rivets, interference fasteners, and the like. A retainer ring 60 may also be provided to couple first and second portions 54, 56 to plunger pole 50.

FIG. 5 also illustrates that plunger cap 52 can include grooves 62 about the circumference thereof for receiving standard O-rings 64. The O-rings 64 are sized to provide an interference fit between the plunger/handle pole assembly 16 and the inside diameter of exterior barrel 18 such that a seal can be formed between these components. The seal allows a pressure differential to be established between the liquid reservoir 26 and an external liquid source (not shown), thereby permitting fluid to be taken into reservoir 26 through spray nozzle 36 by suction. Of course, the seal between these components also permits a user to dispense a fluid contained in reservoir 26 when plunger/pole assembly 16 is inserted into exterior barrel 18 when plunger/pole assembly 16 is moved towards the brush head 14. Similarly, plunger/pole assembly 16 may be used to draw liquid into the reservoir 26 by inserting the brush head 14, including spray nozzle 36, into a liquid reservoir and pulling the plunger/pole assembly 16 away from the brush head 14.

FIG. 6 illustrates base portion 30 of brush head 14. Spray nozzle 36 may be disposed at front edge 32 of brush head 14, for the reasons previously described.

FIG. 7 illustrates spray nozzle 36 in further detail. Spray nozzle 36 provides at least one channel 66 through brush head 14 and into liquid reservoir 26 that permits liquids to be dispensed from and taken up into liquid reservoir 26. As shown, spray nozzle 36 includes three separate tubular channels 66 extending from base portion 43. The exemplified spray nozzle includes three tubular channels 66 to facilitate water uptake by liquid dispensing device 10, but any number of tubular channels can be provided. Multiple tubular channels 66 are preferred because intaking fluid through a single nozzle tubular channel would take a very long time and frustrate the user.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of brush head 14. Spray nozzle 36 may generally be coupled to brush head 14 using adhesives, but other conventional fastening means such as screws, rivets, interference fasteners, and the like can alternatively be used. As shown, spray nozzle includes an umbrella valve 40, but any similar two-way valves can be used to control fluid flow into and out of liquid reservoir 26. Umbrella valve 40 allows for quick intake of liquid through tubular channels 66, but limits the outward flow to the central tubular channel 66, thereby conserving water and providing good coverage (fluid is dispensed over a large area). Umbrella valve 40 is typically secured by a snap fit or interference/friction fit to an interior face 68 of cap 38 and may be made of any material as conventionally known by those of ordinary skill including elastomeric materials such as rubber and the like. Alternatively, umbrella valve 40 may be replaced by a floating collar valve having a flange for covering the two outer channels of spray nozzle 36 and including ribs for keeping the valve from disengaging from cap 38. The ribs allow the collar to float between an open position allowing fluid flow through all 3 channels 66 and a closed position allowing fluid flow only through the center channel 66.

To suck water into the reservoir 26, the nozzle 36 is submerged into a water supply. Pulling plunger/handle pole assembly 16 from exterior barrel 18 causes a pressure differential (a vacuum) which lifts the outer flange(s) of umbrella valve 40, thereby causing water to be taken up into each of tubular channels 66 (and not simply central tubular channel). When the user stops pulling plunger/handle pole assembly 16, the flange of the umbrella valve reverts to its natural position compressed slightly against interior face 68, thereby sealing off the two tubular channels 66 adjacent to the central tubular channel 66. When the user pushes plunger/handle pole assembly 16 back into barrel 18, the fluid in reservoir 26 is compressed, and the outer flange of umbrella valve 40 is further compressed against interior face 68, thereby completely sealing the two tubular channels 66 adjacent to the central tubular channel 66. This forces the water to escape through the central passage in the umbrella valve to the central tubular channel, allowing water to flow under pressure out of spray nozzle 36.

FIG. 9 shows a second example of a liquid dispensing device in accordance with the disclosure. Liquid dispensing device 70 comprises a flow-through pole assembly 72 having first and second ends 74, 76, a flow-through handle 78 attached to and capable of pivoting about the first end, and a brush head 80 attached to the second end 76.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device of FIG. 9 illustrating that flow-through pole assembly 72 includes a channel 81 from first end 74 to the second end 76, and is therefore capable of permitting the flow of fluids from first end 74 to second end 76. In some embodiments, flow-through pole assembly 72 is an extension flowthrough pole assembly. FIG. 11 shows liquid dispensing device 70 including an extension flow-through pole assembly 72 in a collapsed state, and FIG. 12 shows liquid dispensing device 70 including extension flow-through pole assembly 72 in an extended state.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of liquid dispensing device 70. Liquid dispensing device 70 generally includes flow-through handle 78, a free rotation coupler 86, which permits rotation of flow-through handle 78 about flow-through pole assembly 72, and a retaining collar 88, which couples flow-through handle 78 to flow-through pole assembly 72. The ability of flow-through handle 78 to rotate about flow-through pole assembly allows a user to easily manipulate liquid dispensing device 70 without struggling to orient the water source (i.e., hose) at the point of attachment to flow-through handle 78. This feature allows the weight of the hose (or hand strength) to easily orient the flow-through handle 78 into its natural downward gripping position. Liquid dispensing device 70 generally includes brush head 80. Brush head 80 includes a brush head cover 87 and brush head base 89, which are coupled together using adhesives and/or standard fastening means as previously described. Brush head 80 generally comprises a neck portion 90, a front portion 92, and a nozzle assembly 94 disposed in front portion 92. Brush head 80 also generally includes an integral channel 95 for permitting fluid communication between the nozzle assembly 94 and channel 81 of flow-through pole assembly 72 that permits liquids to be dispensed from the nozzle assembly.

FIG. 14 illustrates an extension flow-through pole assembly 72, which includes an inner pole 82 and an outer pole 84 that is capable of slidably receiving inner pole 82. In embodiments including extension flow-through pole assembly 72, a collet lock assembly 96 can be used to control the length of the extension flow-through assembly, i.e., a collet lock assembly 96 can be used to define the position (and therefore the length) of inner pole 82 relative to outer pole 84. FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of an exemplary collet lock assembly (but without the corresponding collet screw 102), but any suitable collet lock assembly may be used. When engaged, collet lock assembly 96 generally includes a collet grip 98, a collet lock 100, and a collet screw 102, which is typically disposed on a distal end 104 of outer pole 84. Collet lock assembly may further include a collet O-ring 106 and a collet washer 108. Collet screw 102 provides a threaded surface for engaging grooves disposed on an interior of collet grip 98, as best shown in FIG. 18. Thus, to engage collet lock assembly 96, a user simply has to thread collet grip 98 onto collet screw, in order to provide an interference fit between the collet lock 100 and the inner pole 82, as best shown in FIG. 18. Collet grip 98 is exemplified as having an oval shape to best facilitate a user's ability to turn collet grip 98 so as to engage collet lock 100, which is particularly useful for example, when collar grip is wet (or otherwise somewhat slippery).

FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of nozzle assembly 94. As exemplified, nozzle assembly 94 includes a base plate 110, a seal plate 112, and a nozzle plate 114, capable of rotating about fastener 116, thereby providing a variety of settings for varying the form of the water spray provided by liquid dispensing device 70. Typically, nozzle assembly 94 includes an O-ring 118, a spring 120, and a indexing tip 122.

Flow-through handle 78 includes a grasping portion 124 and a connecting portion 126, as best shown in FIG. 22. In some embodiments, the grasping and connecting portions 124, 126 are positioned relative to each other so as to define an angle of between about 95 degrees and 140 degrees in order to comfortably accommodate a user's grip during use. Flow-through handle 78 generally comprises a threaded collar 128 which provides threads capable of interacting with grooves disposed on an interior of retaining collar 88 to couple flow-through handle 78 to flow-through pole assembly 72. Flow-through handle 78 further generally comprises grooves for receiving threads on an interior surface of the grasping portion, so as to be connected to a conventional hose. As best shown in FIG. 20, flowthrough handle 78 generally includes a main body portion 130 including a pathway or channel 132 defined therethrough, a free rotation coupler 134, which permits rotation of flow-through handle 78 about the attached water source or hose (not shown). The ability of flow-through handle 78 to rotate about the attached water source or hose allows a user to easily manipulate liquid dispensing device 70 without struggling to orient the water source (i.e., hose) at the point of attachment to flow-through handle 78. This feature also allows the weight of the hose (or hand strength) to easily orient the flow-through handle 78 into its natural downward gripping position. Flow-through handle 78 generally also includes retaining element 136 for coupling free rotation coupler 134 to flow-through handle 78. Flow-through handle 78 also generally includes a valve lever 138 for controlling the flow of water through flow-through handle 78.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate a third embodiment of a liquid dispensing device 140 according to the disclosure. Liquid dispensing device 140 is similar to liquid dispensing device 70, but further includes an integrated soap container 142. Accordingly, similar structural elements are numbered as previously described. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a handle configuration similar to that depicted in liquid dispensing device 70. FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a varied handle configuration. The embodiments of FIGS. 23-26 allow a user to control water and soap flow.

Although certain liquid dispensing devices have been described herein as being in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. 

1. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a plunger having a handle attached thereto and a cap on an end thereof; an exterior barrel shaped to slidingly receive said plunger and including a liquid reservoir therein; a cleaning head having a spray nozzle therein, said cleaning head attached to said exterior barrel and including a spray nozzle therein in fluid communication with said reservoir, said spray nozzle including at least two passages therethrough; and a valve between said fluid reservoir and said spray nozzle for selectively allowing fluid flow into said reservoir through all of said passages while preventing fluid flow out of said reservoir through at least one of said passages.
 2. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein said cleaning head is rotatably attached to said exterior barrel.
 3. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein said spray nozzle outlet is positioned proximate a front edge of said cleaning head.
 4. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein said valve is an umbrella valve.
 5. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein said spray nozzle includes three linearly aligned passages and said valve prevents fluid flow out from the reservoir through the two outer passages.
 6. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 further comprising a grip positioned on said exterior barrel.
 7. The liquid dispensing device of claim 6 wherein said grip is a foam grip.
 8. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 further comprising at least one O-ring positioned on said cap.
 9. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein said handle is attached to said plunger by a retainer ring.
 10. The liquid dispensing device of claim 1 further comprising a circumferential collar for rotatably attaching said cleaning head to said exterior barrel.
 11. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a plunger having a handle attached thereto and a cap on an end thereof; an exterior barrel shaped to slidingly receive said plunger and including a liquid reservoir therein; a cleaning head having a spray nozzle therein, said cleaning head rotatingly attached to said exterior barrel and including a spray nozzle therein in fluid communication with said reservoir, said spray nozzle including at least two passages therethrough; and a valve between said fluid reservoir and said spray nozzle for selectively allowing fluid flow into said reservoir through all of said passages while preventing fluid flow out of said reservoir through at least one of said passages.
 12. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 wherein said spray nozzle outlet is positioned proximate a front edge of said cleaning head.
 13. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 wherein said valve is an umbrella valve.
 14. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 wherein said spray nozzle includes three linearly aligned passages and said valve prevents fluid flow out from the reservoir through the two outer passages.
 15. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 further comprising a grip positioned on said exterior barrel.
 16. The liquid dispensing device of claim 15 wherein said grip is a foam grip.
 17. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 further comprising at least one O-ring positioned on said cap.
 18. The liquid dispensing device of claim 11 wherein said handle is attached to said plunger by a retainer ring.
 19. The liquid dispensing device of claim 17 wherein said cap includes two O-rings
 20. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a plunger having a handle attached to one end thereof and a cap on an opposite end thereof, said cap including at least one O-ring positioned thereon; an exterior barrel shaped to slidingly receive said plunger and including a liquid reservoir therein; a cleaning head having a spray nozzle therein, said cleaning head rotatably attached to said exterior barrel and including a spray nozzle therein in fluid communication with said reservoir, said spray nozzle including three linearly aligned passages therethrough; and an umbrella valve between said fluid reservoir and said spray nozzle for selectively allowing fluid flow into said reservoir through all of said passages while preventing fluid flow out of said reservoir through the two outer passages. 